History runs deep in the heart of Southwest Virginia, through the Cumberland Gap and into Kentucky. To help preserve that history, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park interpreter Pam Eddy and Wilderness Road State Park concessions manager Mike Brindle have collaborated on a piece of artwork that captures the very essence of the westward movement.
This massive interpretive sign will be made of metal with the notch of the fabled Cumberland Gap very noticeable in its overall design. It measures 10 feet by 10 feet, with the rich red sunset, spirits of the Cherokee warriors, and the settlers heading west led by Daniel Boone capturing “The Dark and Bloody Ground,” the name given Kentucky at the time of settlement in the mid-eighteenth century. Northern and southern Native American tribes, particularly the Cherokee and Shawnee, had long fought over this region, known for its rich hunting grounds, favored salt licks and bountiful fresh water springs.
When Richard Henderson of the Transylvania Land Company signed the Treaty of Sycamore Shoals in 1775, purchasing the land known as Kentucky from the Cherokee, Daniel Boone was taken aside by a Cherokee Chief, whom he had grown familiar with, and told, “Brother, we have sold you a fine land, but you will have much trouble in settling it, for I have seen a dark cloud over that land.” Fiery Chief Dragging Canoe also warned they had secured a dark and bloody ground.
“When Pam first approached me about the idea of creating this wonderful interpretive sign, I listened to her description and immediately pictured this scene in my mind,” stated Brindle. “Using Photoshop, I took various photos of interpreters in period costume, combined them with a brilliant red sunset, the distant mountain terrain and added ‘see-through’ spirits of two Cherokee Warriors, watching over the settlers heading westward. We have a wonderful partnership with the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and this project is just another example of our combined effort to interpret the Wilderness Road and the amazing history we are blessed with in this area.”
For more information on Wilderness Road State Park, call the park office at 276-445-3065, and for more information on Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, call 606-248-2817.
This massive interpretive sign will be made of metal with the notch of the fabled Cumberland Gap very noticeable in its overall design. It measures 10 feet by 10 feet, with the rich red sunset, spirits of the Cherokee warriors, and the settlers heading west led by Daniel Boone capturing “The Dark and Bloody Ground,” the name given Kentucky at the time of settlement in the mid-eighteenth century. Northern and southern Native American tribes, particularly the Cherokee and Shawnee, had long fought over this region, known for its rich hunting grounds, favored salt licks and bountiful fresh water springs.
When Richard Henderson of the Transylvania Land Company signed the Treaty of Sycamore Shoals in 1775, purchasing the land known as Kentucky from the Cherokee, Daniel Boone was taken aside by a Cherokee Chief, whom he had grown familiar with, and told, “Brother, we have sold you a fine land, but you will have much trouble in settling it, for I have seen a dark cloud over that land.” Fiery Chief Dragging Canoe also warned they had secured a dark and bloody ground.
“When Pam first approached me about the idea of creating this wonderful interpretive sign, I listened to her description and immediately pictured this scene in my mind,” stated Brindle. “Using Photoshop, I took various photos of interpreters in period costume, combined them with a brilliant red sunset, the distant mountain terrain and added ‘see-through’ spirits of two Cherokee Warriors, watching over the settlers heading westward. We have a wonderful partnership with the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and this project is just another example of our combined effort to interpret the Wilderness Road and the amazing history we are blessed with in this area.”
For more information on Wilderness Road State Park, call the park office at 276-445-3065, and for more information on Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, call 606-248-2817.
Designated as Prince William County’s Most Scenic Spot by a newspaper reader’s poll, 
The park also offers picnic 
I often take my lunch to the sandy beach area and watch the birds and boats along the Potomac River. 
Read the official press release of the event 
What makes 
Another clean up report from our stalwart volunteer, Bob
Pictured in the photograph are left to right 
Each year State Park employees, some family members, volunteers and friends of parks get together on the Eastern Shore at 
The Fun
There is a very important reason this all takes place above and beyond the fishing and the fun. It is for our State Park Employees when life throws them an unexpected curve ball. As State Park Employees we don’t really make a lot of money, thus when unexpected bad luck hits, it can be very devastating on a family. I like to bill it as the “Fund for our employees with the hope that they will never need it.” It is our one big fund raiser for the fund that is held each year. This year’s tournament and raffle raised over $3,000:
Thanks
I just got back from 
The Retreat has five bedrooms and can sleep up to sixteen. There are two living rooms, two kitchens, five bathrooms and a large common room that opens onto the patio. One of the living rooms has a cozy fireplace, knotty pine paneling, a comfortable sofa and love seats. 
What made this particular visit special to me was that I got to stay in the master bedroom. The master bedroom is large with a tray ceiling, walk-in closet and a large bathroom. The view from the bay window is spectacular. The weather was not the best while I was there and the river was choppy. I was lulled to sleep each night with the sound of water rolling onto the shore and hitting the bulkhead. 
I love our Virginia State Parks cabins. They are comfortable, not particularly fancy, and reasonably priced. But the Potomac River Retreat is just a little special.
This event fell in National Women’s Friendship Month. 
Saturday morning dawned cooler and overcast but at first no rain. After breakfast the women headed out for a variety of outdoor pursuits: kayaking, fly fishing, birding, geocaching, yoga, outdoor photography, nature journaling, guided meditation walk, fossil hike, and tai chi. Indoor programs included aromatherapy, stress reduction through breathing, building an aquatic garden, basic car maintenance, and healthy living. The river was a little choppy when the kayakers were putting in so pretty much everyone got wet. Once in, the water was rolling but not choppy. After a nice lunch we did have a little drizzle, but all of the activities went on as planned. A good lesson – there is no reason a little rain or overcast sky should chase folks away from having a great time outdoors. 
Hunting season is approaching…..
State Park offer hunting opportunities by reservation. Hunters may reserve a preferred day and at some sites, a preferred stand or zone. There is a reservation fee of $15 per day; there may be limits to the number of reservations allowed per call. The fee is non-refundable. Proof of hunter education certification and required licenses must be presented at check-in. 
What do children with special needs, bass boat fishermen, volunteers, and community business sponsors from Northern Virginia have in common? On Saturday, September 19, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., all of these folks will converge at Leesylvania State Park on the Potomac for the Fourth Annual C.A.S.T. for Kids event in Virginia.
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